It's a Wonderful Life!

Really. It is. :) And as of Sunday, I'm officially in the Christmas spirit. My husband has even been more cheerful about Christmas this year (not always the most exciting time for him - super busy at work).

(You can stop reading now if you don't want to read me ramble on. No offense taken.)
Prior to Sunday, I was feeling a bit "bah-hum-bug" ish. Not sure why, but every time I turned on the "Holiday Lite" I quickly changed the dial. I didn't even want to do any Christmas shopping but knew I better before I was rushing out with the crowd. But after a successful Borders trip and a little openness to Christmas music, I'm all a joy about the holiday. I even made a count down to Christmas! And bought some wooden ornaments to decorate with our friends, the Counts children. I'm also looking forward to sugar cookie cut-outs and heading home for time with family and my grandmother's wassail.

Lest I forget though, what a perfect time to be reminded of the true gift that came this time of year, Jesus. And what life he has brought AND the hope of life after death. Sweet reminders. At our church, we just began to go through the book of Matthew, and it's so apropo to this season (and yet, to our whole life).

Last year at this time, I was imagining what this year with our little one (who still didn't have a name at 7.5 months) would be like and if he would fit into the 9mo Christmas outfit that our friends Ang and Stac had bought for him. While it was SO cute, I'm really glad I returned it since most of Timbo's clothes are 12-18mo. One friend nicknamed him 'the truck'. I can't believe he's crawling like nobody's business and pulling up on everything! And we might just have the two front teeth for Christmas (he's got two, just a little of centered though with one being a "lateral incisor"; yes, I did just look up the name of that online!).

Well, as usual, he's up from a nap, and I'm cut short. I think tonight we're putting up the Christmas Tree, so the pictures are to come! Oh yeah, WE GOT SNOW TODAY!

Thanksgiving

Is Dec. 1st really Wednesday? Wow, this year has FLOWN by!

But I am so thankful for the blessings and joys and lessons this year has brought. We were showered with hospitality at the Hufford's (that is, my in-laws) the past couple days. There was an abundance of food to go around and such good company. And I have to give props to my sister-in-law for her killer Pumpkin Pie with homemade whipped cream. Yum!! I think I ate more than my "portion" of the pie.

Even after all their hardwork to make Thanksgiving come together, my in-laws watched Mr. T while we went out for ice-cream, a movie, and late night Dunkin (decaf of course). :) What sweet, sweet times as husband and wife! And lots of laughter and heart-to-heart conversation. What a treasure.

Speaking of that treasure, I'm going to spend some time with him. :)

A good reminder...

...to be thankful. Slowly, but surely, my outlook on life is looking up. And my attitude, as you've seen in previous posts, is improving. However, lesson learned - address issues at the onset, not when you are deep in the pit of them. (Hopefully this isn't a lesson I keep coming back to, but life seems to continually be a time of refining.) :)

As I sit and listen to Kira Willey with my little boy, I think on how much I have to be thankful for. I'd love to hear about what you are thankful for in the comments (or facebook or email or phone). :)

*Surprising my mother for a "decade changing" birthday: She had wonderful friends who made it possible for Mr. T and I to knock her socks off when surprising her. What a sweet time when T willingly went to her as she sat in her "chair of honor." And honored is what she was. :) What a wonderful weekend of crepes, window shopping, and BOGO starbucks beverages!
*Family meeting T for the first time: My Aunt Lulu was in from NC with two of her girls and my Grandma O who I haven't seen in, I think, almost three years. Wow. Family is a treasure, and I'm thankful I'm in theirs.
*Sweet, restful moments with my husband
*Laughter and joys of my little one
*Holiday baking: I made some sugar cookies in the shape of turkeys and leaves for a mom's group of friends.
*Moms: I have had the privilege of meeting so many moms in the last year. (Year of babies?) Whether from church or my baby n' me group, I'm blessed by their friendship, wisdom, and listening ear.

So much to be thankful for...but I probably should go get things ready for Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Progress

So, my attitude is getting better; definitely still in need of some work, but I'm thankful for how the Lord is meeting me and giving me strength. And my husband is encouraging me and gently helping correct bad habits.

I'm so thankful for friends who are so thoughtful. Thankful for Mr. T's joyful spirit that makes Eric and I laugh A LOT! Thankful for family near and far away. So much to be thankful for...

Here are a few more recent shots of Mr. T:

Lessons I'm Learning

Seems almost continually learning. To the point: Contentness (Yes, my spell check is saying that is not a real word.)

Wow, I've allowed myself live with a spirit of discontent. I could definitely go on about what...but that would defeat the purpose of what I would like to overcome. :) As I was enjoying the week of a "stay-cation" with my husband, we had quite a defining moment of, "We've got to change today our attitudes, or we are just going to continue living like this." And honestly, living like this just sucks the life out of us.

So...we're working on it. Trying to see the beauty and joys of today. Trying to be invested sojourners. (see here:http://www.ebfchurch.org/media.php?pageID=5)

And oh, how the joys abound! I guess that November is just a reminder of all that we have to be thankful for. Hopefully, it's not just November but a radical life change.

Ask me how it's going in a week. We can't do this alone.

*Upcoming: Pictures! (Fall and Halloween!)

In the Spirit of the Season

I have been on a baking kick! And I'm loving it. I'm soaking in all the season has to offer. While I don't have pictures to intrigue you, I do have a delicious list of this week's treats. :)

*Apple, Cinnamon Cupcakes with a Caramel Glaze
*Pumpkin Muffins
*Chocolate Chip Cookies
*Taco Pizza
(as I type this...I'm realizing these aren't all seasonal) :)
*Eric's Recipe for Homemade Rolls (taking them to Book Club today)
*Cinnamon Rolls for this morning!! (and completely homemade up to the frosting)

And this upcoming week brings the joy of making baby food with my sister-in-law! Super excited!

So much to be thankful for! And so many blessings!

(Can you feel my excitement?!)

Great Reminder

Just read a blog that I thought was particularly apropo to my daily life as a stay-at-home mom. Hope you enjoy this:
http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2010/10/07/10-in-10-guest-post-needing-a-little-help-by-jess-m/

And here's a quick link to her personal blog:
http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/

I'm blessed, and it's still early in the day. :)